Graduate Diaries: Brittany Sodo
03 February 2017 / Published in Tech & InnovationStart Me Up is a new graduate programme specifically designed to reflect the huge role technology plays at ASB. Splitting from the long standing Future Me programme in 2015, Start Me Up gives recent graduates a wide range of experience within Technology & Innovation (T&I).
We talked with recent graduate, Brittany Sodo, reflecting on her time in the programme, her development and the valuable experience she’s gained.
Why do you think it’s important to have a programme focussed on Technology and Innovation?
Whether it’s supporting our frontline bankers by ensuring that our systems are always available, or providing the latest innovations to our customers, there’s always something different to get involved in. With over 500 people working in our technology hub, there are many different teams to work in, each with their own unique purpose. It’s only fitting to have a graduate programme focussed solely on technology.
How is the programme structured?
As part of the Start Me Up graduate program, we are given the opportunity to rotate through different roles within Technology and Innovation (T&I). Rotations usually range from 2 to 6 months and can involve anything from developing back-end code, to creating and developing ASB’s next banking innovation. I had 6-month rotations in Business Intelligence Analysis Design and Delivery; Data Quality; and Digital Insights and Analytics; which worked really well. Spending 6 months in a role gives you enough time to learn how that team operates and what they do, while still making a solid contribution to the team. Regardless of where your rotations take you within T&I, there is always a focus on both technical and personal development. During my time in the Start Me Up program, I have always felt like I am constantly learning and improving.
What’s next?
Although Start Me Up is aimed at Technology & Innovation, graduates can still get exposure to other areas of the business. Within the last year and a half I’ve gained experience and skills in areas that I didn't even know existed when I first joined the bank, and I feel like I haven’t even begun to scratch the surface.
I’m now coming to the end of my 18 months on the grad program and I’ve been lucky enough to land a full time role within ASB. While this role will be an entirely new experience for me, I believe the exposure I have had in different teams, the skills I’ve gained throughout the program and the support from my peers will make it easier to transition into my new role.
